Drain switch OK'd

Several areas in the county will see drainage assessments cease this year as the county surveyor presented breakdown of watersheds this morning to the Jay County Commissioners.

Jay County surveyor Brad Daniels presented the commissioners with a listing of changes in watersheds showing those that did not collect in 2009 that will be collecting in 2010, and those which collected in '09 but will be "off" this year.

In Jay County, watersheds being turned "on" this year include the Abromson, Harris Braner, Wm Hodge and J. Miller watersheds. Those being turned "off" are Mason Grissell, Dorsey Louck, P. Houts, W.S. Manor, Mast, Stultz, H. Taylor, O. Taylor, Shook and McFarland.

Collections are ceased when the balance in the watershed account reaches four times the annual assessment.

The status of all other watersheds in the county will remain the same as in 2009.

Other joint watersheds that are shared with neighboring counties beginning collection in 2010 include Harris Braner and Loblolly in Wells County; Carder Creek, Dale Marsh, Ross and Days Creek, John Thornburg, Halfway, Hannah Rinker and Hotmire Redmond in Randolph County; and Brooks Creek in Blackford County.

Border watersheds being turned off in neighboring counties in 2010 include McFarland and W.S. Manor in Randolph County and Shook in Blackford County.

In other business this morning, the commissioners:

•Signed a resolution approving changes to the Jay County Zoning Ordinance to reflect additions and changes for the governing of commercial wind farms.

•Approved transfer of ownership of a property at 614 N. Williams St., Portland, to the City of Portland.

•Signed a contract with Bill Fields for $39,000 for animal control for the county. The commissioners also signed an emergency claim for one quarter of the contract total. The contract for 2009 was $37,500.

•Discussed the county's worker's compensation insurance with Bob Brown of Barnum and Brown Insurance, Dunkirk.[[In-content Ad]]